Press Release

9/21/2012 4:43 PM ET

Statement from Melky Cabrera

MLBPA Press Release

"I have no wish to win an award that would be tainted. I believe it would be far better for someone more deserving to win. I asked the Players Association and the league to take the necessary steps to remove my name from consideration for the National League batting title.

"I am grateful that the Players Association and MLB were able to honor my request by suspending the rule for this season. I know that changing the rules midseason can present problems, and I thank the Players Association and MLB for finding a way to get this done."

Seth Levinson of ACES, Inc., Cabrera's agent, added: "I am not surprised by Melky's request. Melky is a truly humble person, and he is embarrassed by his mistake and sincerely regrets letting down his teammates, the Giants organization and the fans. Since his suspension, Melky has been adamant that he did not want the batting title award, and that he wanted to solely focus on working hard to return to baseball so he could be in a position to win that award with honor."